We Can Help

The E-Series: A Caregiver’s Story

In this special caregiving conversation, guest Carla Higgins shares what she's learned from navigating multiple seasons of caregiving during the last two decades. She is no stranger to the "sandwich generation" of those caring for both aging parents/grandparents and children/grandchildren at the same time.

Sep 30, 2024

Tune in for this candid conversation between Caroline Oxford, Director of Family Care Services at Hospice of the Piedmont, and Carla Higgins, Medical Records Specialist.

Click the icon below to listen to this episode.

Hospice of the Piedmont · The E-Series: A Caregiver’s Story – Carla

SHOW NOTES:

In this podcast, Carla mentions thoughtful encouragements for caregivers. To recap, take a moment to read through the summarized points below.

Find ways to recharge and care for yourself by reconnecting with your role outside of caregiving. Grab dinner, have someone come over so that you can take a short break or do an activity you enjoy, or even play a game or work on a puzzle after everyone is asleep. Find ways to connect with things you enjoy and incorporate that into your day.
Put your pride to the side, and be open to receiving help from family members and friends. Be open and honest with those around you and let them help you.
Have a phone partner – someone that you can trust and call anytime – when you need to let out your stress. If you don’t have this, seek it out. Most people are more than willing to be supportive in this way if you are honest with your needs.

Resources in this podcast (and a few extra!) are linked below. Be sure to visit the websites and/or search for these key words online to find resources local to your area.

Regional Consolidated Services (RCS) is a multifaceted, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the diverse needs of individuals and families in Randolph County, North Carolina. Founded on the principles of compassion, integrity, and empowerment, RCS has been a trusted resource and advocate for positive change since 1979. At the heart of our mission is a deep-seated commitment to making a long lasting impact in our community. To learn more, visit www.regionalcs.org/.
Randolph County, North Carolina – Aid to the Blind – www.randolphcountync.gov/306/Aid-to-the-Blind
Services for the Blind – North Carolina – www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/services-blind
North Carolina Reading Service – www.ncreadingservice.org/

Presented by Hospice of the Piedmont and Hospice of Randolph, The E-Series is an educational webinar series aimed at engaging our community, exploring relevant topics and educating about ways to connect with our organization. Funding for The E-Series is provided by the Dr. John A. Lusk Fund for Hospice and Palliative Care Education. For more information about the E-Series, click here!

Your entire team was amazing. They are very professional in their work but also have big hearts and it comes through in how they do their work and in their positive attitudes.

- Daughter of patient

Thank you for making your home like her home, warm and comfortable.

- Sister of a patient (in reference to Hospice Home)

Your kindness and efforts go far beyond the patients and extend to their families and friends.

- Family of a patient

Everyone who cared for my wife was, without exception, caring, kind, and exceptionally capable individuals who seemed to truly care about her well-being and care.

- Husband of a patient

Your staff (at Hospice Home) was confident, thoughtful, kind and very loving to my mom. When we couldn’t be there or take care of her needs, you took care of her.

- Son of a patient

My mother spent her last days in your facility. I want to thank you for the gifts you gave to her and our family. The dignity, caring, professionalism, and kindness will remain a bright part of our saying goodbye to our mother.

- Daughter of a patient

My family and I would not have made it without Hospice.

- Daughter of a patient

For many veterans, military service is the most important thing that they have done in their lives. As part of We Honor Veterans, those patients are now paired with a volunteer who also served in the military and share a common bond.

- Joe Lyons, Hospice volunteer

Thank you for all of your care, concern, education and kindness during Mom’s last year. My grief journey has had a lighter backpack because of Hospice.

- A patient’s daughter

Their touch, their time, their words were the comfort of a lifetime.

- A patient’s family

We were privileged to have the support of (Hospice)…They nurtured and cared for my husband as if he was their only patient.

- Wife of a patient

Me consuela saber que mi esposa tuvo los mejores cuidados gracias a Hospice. La ayudaron a ella y a nuestra familia en todas las maneras posibles.

- Marido de un paciente

I thank God for putting good people in the right job for people like me.

- Patient family member

We were so impressed by your staff and your desire to help us. No one wants to need Hospice, but when a person does, it is a tremendous blessing. Thanks again for the care you gave my dad, and ultimately all of us.

- Daughter of a patient

I would like to say that you have a beautiful Hospice Home. It is so nice and serene. I love the “quiet spots” that you can go to and meditate. Thank you so much in helping make my mother’s last days on this earth a little better and comforting.

- Daughter of a patient